Mascots

What is a mascot?

From: Don Stark

What a Mascot is:
Normally a stuffed animal. The type of creature is often related to the troop or the troops area. As an example, several troops from Florida and the east coast have Dolphin mascots. There are horses from out west I've heard about as well.

How did it start:
As I understand it was mentioned in a book about Brownies and the idea has since taken off (sorry I don't know the title).

Why are mascots sent out:
To learn about other places, it's similar to a pen-pal relationship. The mascots adventures are usually logged into a journel so at every stop along the way the girls in the hosting (and ultimatly originating) troop can learn a bit about other places. The mascots usually wind up with Photos from their journey, Videos and Audio tapes are common too. We've read about mascots coming home with Patch vests, friendship blankets and many other things. Some troops even chronicle their mascots adventures their Web sites.

What usually sent along on the journey(s):
Journels, Video and/or Audio tapes, backpacks or carry bags for all their stuff. "Passports" and Membership cards are often sent too.

Who pays for the mascots travels:
Hosting troops (or individual girls from them) normally pay the postage to send the mascots along to their next destination. When I was in the army I read about some mascots that were "treated" to trips on various (military) aircraft while visiting or travelling between Scout troops at overseas military bases.

Mascot Do's/Don'ts

From: William McLaughlin

Always try to include a swap, patch or other exchange (photo of troop is great!)
Try to include return postage, as some troops are short of funds.
If you are having the mascot sent on to another country...include any forms needed for post to that country, or forms to return to your country (i.e. customs documents )
Try to include a letter about your troop, and possibly a council newsletter, that tells something about your troop activities and the area you live in.
Be sure to pack things well, as damage may occur during shipment! And be sure to put the proper address, especially foreign ones.
Do not include addresses of girls, unless specifically requested...you never know who may actually receive the package. (one mascot we sent out got sidetracked...and we never did find out to where!)

From: Becki Bozart

"Many people are concerned about their mascot disappearing. Here are some tips to keep better track of your precious little friend:

When you set up a host, save the e-mail.
Before sending the mascot, make sure you have the snail mail address, the name of the council, a message phone number, and the name of one other adult in the troop or council as a backup info person.
Send a confirming letter by snail mail separate from the mascot package. This can contain your trader patch if desired. There is no guarantee that a patch for each troop, all put in the box at the beginning of the year, will actually get to every troop.
E-mail when you send a mascot. E-mail when you receive a mascot. E-mail is cheap (sometimes free) Take advantage of it.
Don't be afraid to call the council if you lose a mascot and get no response. They often will call the leader and get things moving again. Remember, leader's lives get crazy!

Have fun!

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SFC Activities Scouting File Cabinet